Rhythms of Cuba + Varadero Beach
From classic images of cigars and vintage cars to colonial treasures and a tantalising Caribbean climate, Cuba is an island of colourful contrasts. Enjoy its unique charms, vibrant cities, spectacular landscapes and pristine beaches
Why not extend your stay in Cuba with a stay at one of our popular Varadero Beach hotels, the Sol Palmeras, Paradisus Varadero or Iberostar Tainos? Varadero is the perfect destination, situated on the north coast of Cuba it boasts one of the finest beaches in the world stretching for an amazing 20 kilometres!
Your Itinerary
DAY 1: UK - Havana.
Fly to Havana where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for three nights. (D)
DAY 2: Havana.
As one of the best-preserved colonial cities in Latin America, Havana has a fascinating mixture of unique cultural charms, brightly coloured colonial architecture, and an abundance of classic 1950s American automobiles. The charismatic Old City offers a seamless blend of Spanish and African influences in a panorama that seems almost frozen in time. Nearby, the vibrant entertainment district is a welcoming haven of small, friendly bars and restaurants brimming with traditional Cuban music and dance. Explore some of the city's highlights today on an included sightseeing tour and learn about the country's most famous exports on an included visit to a cigar factory, where you may have the chance to see cigars being hand-rolled in the traditional style, and the authentic 'Havana Club' Rum Museum, where white and dark rum are produced in a wide variety of tasty flavours. (B, D)
DAY 3: Havana.
A full day to explore Cuba's lively capital at your leisure. Perhaps explore the picture-perfect Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where well-preserved Baroque and Neoclassical buildings sit side by side with the cool, breezy square of Plaza de Armas, the elegant La Catedral, and the serene walled harbour at Playas de Este. Spend time strolling in the lovely Parque Central, dotted with tropical palms and shaded benches, or head to the Plaza de la Revolucion to view the immense iconic sculpture of Che Guevara. In the evening why not watch a play or cabaret at the Mella Theatre or join the optional excursion to the exciting Club Tropicana. Established in 1939, this famed nightclub is still a rival for the Moulin Rouge in Paris and evokes a bygone era with its vibrant 1940s styled cabaret show adorned with lavish costumes and salsa music. (B, D)
DAY 4: Havana - Pinar del Río - Viñales Valley.
This morning, head to the beautiful province of Pinar del Río. Located in the west of the island, this picturesque area is set against the backdrop of the Cordillera de Guaniguanico Mountains and surrounded by acres of verdant tobacco fields. The flat, fertile valley is uniquely dotted with unusual limestone 'mogotes' or hills, which resemble stunning limestone haystacks. Enjoy an included sightseeing tour of Pinar del Río before continuing to the serenely beautiful Viñales Valley, an enchanting landscape so distinctive and rare it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Reaching the valley, home to underground rivers, caves and pin-cushion shaped hills, transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. (B, D)
DAY 5: Viñales Valley - Las Terrazas - Havana.
Begin today with a visit to the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve where the Las Terrazas village, a site of beauty and tranquility, was founded in the 1970s to provide a pleasant and prosperous lifestyle for the poverty-stricken inhabitants of the area. After time to observe the local artists and artisans at work, visit the ruins of a former French coffee plantation at Canada del Infierno, and view the impressive sulphur springs and fountain of the Bayate River. Later, head to the Buena Vista Coffee House, a unique 19th century plantation built on the peak of a mountain, where you can learn about coffee production and enjoy spectacular views of the valley below. This afternoon, return to Havana. (B, D)
DAY 6: Havana - Cienfuegos.
Today head to Boca de Guamá and Cuba's largest lagoon for a short boat trip across the stunning, everglade-like 'Treasure Lake' to Villa Guamá - a reconstructed Taino-Indian Village. Spend time exploring the lush garden, learning about the indigenous Indian people of Cuba and admiring life-sized sculptures of Taino Indians engaging in everyday activities. This afternoon, return to Guamá and continue to Cienfuegos, where you'll stay for two nights. (B, D)
DAY 7: Cienfuegos - Trinidad - Cienfuegos.
Begin today with a morning tour of Trinidad, Cuba's 'colonial treasure'. Founded in 1514, this pretty town is brimming with decorative and virtually untouched colonial architecture, constructed between the 17th to 19th centuries, and is now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a stroll amongst the pretty plazas, villas and monuments that line the town and visit one of the local museums. Pop into 'La Canchanchara', a bar named after a Cuban drink consumed by slaves in the colonial era to keep them strong. This afternoon, enjoy this fascinating city at your own pace and perhaps visit some of the antiquities museums or savour the traditional Old Town atmosphere. Return to Cienfuegos in the evening. (B, D)
DAY 8: Cienfuegos - Varadero. Included sightseeing.
This morning, experience the best of Cienfuegos on a city sightseeing tour. Known as 'the pearl of the south', Cienfuegos is set on a beautiful bay and was one of the first Cuban locations to be discovered by Christopher Columbus. The city is a lively, bustling port with a cosmopolitan feel and elegant European-style architecture including the beautiful Valle and Blue Palaces and the impressive cathedral. Afterwards, transfer to your chosen Varadero resort for the next seven nights. (B, L, D)
DAY 9 to 14: Varadero.
Varadero is the perfect destination, situated on the north coast of Cuba it boasts one of the finest beaches in the world stretching for an amazing 20 kilometres! (B, L, D)
DAY 15: Varadero - Havana - UK.
Transfer to Havana airport for your overnight flight to the UK. (B)
DAY 16: Home landing in the UK.
Sol Palmeras
Built in a horseshoe shape around the extensive pool areas, the elegant Sol Palmeras is set amidst lush, tropical gardens and lies adjacent to the crystal clear ocean. It offers a variety of culinary options and fantastic on-site facilities, making it a peaceful retreat in the sunshine.
Location: Directly on the white sands of Varadero beach, close to Plaza Americas Shopping Centre; 8km from Varadero centre.
Facilities: Swimming pool with 2 sections; free sunbeds and parasols; buffet-style restaurant; 5 à la carte restaurants; pool bar; beach bar and grill; fun pub; 4 bars; watersports; floodlit tennis; massage; TV lounge; gift shops; hairdresser; beauty salon; internet access; safety deposit box in bedrooms.
Price includes: All inclusive in a twin room with 1 king size or 2 double beds with private facilities; balcony or terrace; air-conditioning; satellite TV; hairdryer.
Options: Sole occupancy.
Official category: 4 star.
ALL THIS INCLUDED
Meals: Full board with buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner. A la carte restaurants. Snacks 10am-5pm.
Drinks: International and locally produced alcoholic drinks, beer, house wine, tea, coffee and soft drinks 24 hours a day from the lobby bar.
Activities: Non-motorised watersports including windsurfing, pedalos and kayaks; table tennis; pool table; tennis; badminton; volleyball; basketball; archery; aerobics; darts and giant chess; Spanish and dance classes; introductory scuba-diving lesson in pool.
Entertainment: Full day and evening entertainment.
Rhythms of Cuba + Varadero Beach 14 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the calendar.
Rhythms of Cuba + Varadero Beach 14 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.

| Earlier Dates | Date | Depart From | Price from PP | Later Dates | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Jul 2012 | London Gatwick |
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| 26 Jul 2012 | London Gatwick |
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Rhythms of Cuba + Varadero Beach
Price from £1655.00
Holiday Highlights
- Havana City sightseeing including cigar factory and 'Havana Club' Rum Museum
- Viñales Valley
- Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve, Las Terrazas
- Buena Vista Coffee House
- Guama Taino Indian Village
Departures from
- London Gatwick
Departures between
12 Jul 2012 to 28 Mar 2013
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
© Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. All holidays and offers are subject to availability.
